Application Information

Deadlines

Proposals will be accepted from May 6, 2019, until 5 p.m. (EST) September 1, 2019. All awarded funds must be expended and travel completed by June 30, 2020.

Application Instructions

Proposal narratives should not exceed four pages.

Your narrative should address the following:

A description of the research questions and topics of interest and how it relates to UT’s strengths and assets;

An explanation of how the partnering institution(s) was chosen to be UT’s strategic partner(s) abroad;

A description of the proposed activities. This description needs to include a strategy that will commit the team to identifying and working toward a longer-term funded collaboration (grant proposals submitted, journal articles developed, plans for collaborative performances that will lead to long-term partnerships);

A description of the expected outcomes for the proposed project; and

The long-term goals of this partnership and descriptions of entities involved.

In addition to the proposal narrative, please also include the following supporting materials:

A list of the UT Knoxville faculty involved in the project, along with their disciplines, departments, and/or colleges;

A list of key non-UT personnel with affiliations and prior collaborations with UT. (Not to exceed two pages);

Review Process

The review committee will use the following major review criteria. Point assessment out of 100 possible points

Likelihood of creating an institutional partnership: What is the likelihood that this collaboration can grow beyond the faculty members currently participating? How strong is the plan for exploring collaboration opportunities? (40 points possible)

Merit and Significance: Will the proposed project advance research in the field? Does it challenge the current state of art? Will it overcome a barrier to advancing research in this field and broaden the horizon for future research? Is this a major question or problem? (25 points possible)

Feasibility and Approach: Are the proposed research plans, methods, and analyses appropriate? Will the methods and analyses achieve the objectives of the project? Are adequate resources (expertise, tools, equipment) included in the proposal? (10 points possible)

Innovation: Does the project leverage new theories, tools, or applications to advance the field? Will the project shift the current paradigm in the field? Are technical or intellectual innovations included in the proposal? Does the PI leverage individual or institutional differentiators? (10 points possible)

External Funding Strategy: Does the project align with the funding targets identified? Is it reasonable to expect that, in addition to alignment, funds will be available in the future (i.e. targeted program is not sun setting and is of continued interest to the funder)? Is the PI viable from target funder’s perspective? Is there potential alignment with other funders not mentioned in the proposal? (15 points possible)

An interdisciplinary review committee with faculty and staff will conduct reviews along this timeframe:

Submission deadline: September 1, 2019, at 5 p.m.

September review

October award notice

Progress Tracking and Reporting

Successful applicants will be required to submit a written report on program activities and outcomes upon completion of the program. A progress report (verbal or written) may be requested. The applicant must co-develop with CIE/ORE a Plan for Creating an Institutional Partnership (template to be provided) at the conclusion of the project.